Bishop's 'deep sadness' at Hannah Bladon's death

A bishop's expressed his "deep sadness" at the death of a Christian student who was attacked in Jerusalem.

Bishop of Lichfield, Right Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, is speaking after Hannah Bladon, 20, was stabbed to death last week on a train in the city by a Palestinian man with mental health problems.

Described as an "Arab terrorist" by Israeli authorities, he'd also been previously convicted of sexually abusing his daughter in 2011.

Hannah Bladon had been on an exchange programme with the University of Birmingham and the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She was studying the Bible along with Hebrew and archaeology.

She also served regularly at her local church in Burton, which is part of the Diocese of Lichfield.

Hannah Bladon

Bishop Michael said: "On behalf of the Diocese of Lichfield, I would like to express my deep sadness at Hannah’s death and offer my sympathy and prayers for her family at this terrible time.

"Hannah played an active part in the life of her local church in Burton where she was a server. My thoughts are with her church family in Burton.

"Through the Dean of Lichfield, we have also made contact with St George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem and asked for prayers to be offered for Hannah there tomorrow."

Hannah Bladon's family said in a statement: "Hannah was the most caring, sensitive and compassionate daughter you could ever wish for.

"She was driven and passionate and her death leaves so much promise unfulfilled.